27th October 1987 was a black day for Malaysia. On this day, despite claims that we are a democratic nation, Operation Lallang was launched, using the draconian ISA to detain 107 Malaysian citizens and incarcerate them without trial. Malaysians from all walks of lfie were detained - opposition politicians, social activists, people of all religions, women involved in anti-rape campiagns, theatre people, people who care about the environmental - all thrown into solitary confinement because they were deemed a 'threat to national security'. Many were subject to mental and/or physical torture.

There were many factors leading up to Operation Lallang. Mahathir of course faced a number of crisies within his party, UMNO. At the same time, there was considerable discussion about the rights to mother-tongue education. Chinese educationalists were of course amongst those detained. So in marking 20 years of Operation Lallang, we are proud to present this Forum, which will focus on chinese education and its relation to Operation Lallang. Come and learn about the history of the struggle for mother-tongue education, the background to October 1987, and how the struggle continues till today.